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UN committee calls on Vatican to take clearer steps against sex abuse, to change Catholic doctrine

The U.N. Committee for the Protection of the Child issued its conclusions to the Vatican report tackling sex abuse cases. The report asks the Holy See to take a tougher stance and clearer steps on the issue. But the commission undermined its efforts by asking the Vatican to reverse its teachings on abortion or homosexuality; something not likely to happen.

Another sore point is the committee's listed concern that, despite its influence within Catholic families, the Holy See has not adopted any global measures to prevent violence within families.

On the topic of sexual abuse, the U.N.-sanctioned committee cited many of the cases already made public, which lead John Paul II and Benedict XVI to strengthen efforts to protect minors.

In response, the Holy See issued a statement noting that they will review the report, but "regret to see in some points of the Concluding Observations an attempt to interfere with Catholic Church teaching on the dignity of the human person and in the exercise of religious freedom.â?

On the plus side, the committee welcomed the decision by Pope Francis to create a special commission to deal with sexual abuse cases at the hands of clergy, to work with local authorities to prosecute offenders, and to help victims.